Little Falls transcript., 1887-03-25
SAVED HIS ENEMY !.


courted Isabella Morales. Dark,
gloomy and taciturn was he; she,
young and bright. Girl-like, she CO.
quetted with him as with others, but
he felt sure Of possessing her heart. To
the surprise Of all, she eloped with and
married the young and almost penni-
less Adolph Navara. s.s..s B.
The forsaken lover retired to his es-
tates, shut himself up in his lonely
mansion, and would see no one.
Ramona Vasquez, his best friend,
the only man who could influence
him, visited and pointed out to Comes
the unmanly part which he was act
ing, the duties he was neglecting, the
suffering he was causing those depend
ent upon him, and at last won him
from his retirement, caused by q dis
appointment which could not now be
remedied, and he again took up the
concerns of business.
+ When told that Isabella Navarro
had been blessed by the birth Of
daughter, "May Heaven smile upon
her!" he said, but the name of the
father was never mentioned.
Then came the insurrection of
Cuba. Adolph Navara became a CON-
mander of the so-called rebels. Comes
Joined the volunteers under the Span-
lsh flag as captain of company, and
Raymond Vasquez was his lieutenant.
His friend was satisfied that Comes
had not joined the volunteers so much
from regard to the mother country as
from hatred to the man who had won
his lady. His hope was now that the
chances OF war might bring him face
to face with his successful rival. At
| mention Of Navara's name his dark
eyes would gleam with fend-like fire.
He did his duty we'll and bravely;
his name was held in high repute in
Spanish headquarters. Promotion
was often offered him, but as often re-
fused.
By day and by night no command
er was so eager and relentless in the
persistent pursuit and fearful punish
ment OF rebels as Comes. He and his
men were pitiless, and consented to or
took part in cruelties that will shame
the Spanish name while the memory
OF them exists. But so far he had not
met Navarro, and his disappointment
was great.
One day in the gray of the morning,
the volunteer camp was entered by
spy, who informed the officers that
he had traced rebel officer to farm
house about mile distant. The VOL
unteers, Comes and Vasquez in com.
mand, instantly marched to the
place; the house was surrounded and
search was commenced, fast and furi-
Gus.
No opposition WAS offered. The Of
6cers remained outside. Soon the
fellow who had given the information
emerged from the house bearing in his
arms crying child. After him, with
tottering limbs and face blanched with
terror, came lady.
"Spare, for the love ofthe Holy Vir-
gin, spare my child!' was her piteous
prayer.
The volunteers threatened to impale
it upon their bayonets unless she con.
fessed where the rebel was hidden.
my child My child! Do as you will
with me, only spare my child?' was
her unceasing cry. No question would
she answer.
The bayonets were fixed and point.
ed the infant raised high in the arms
Of brawny ruthan, who stood as if
ready to hurl it upon the death-deal-
ing points; still the mother pleaded,
yet nothing would she reply to the re-
peated question, which, answered,
would save the life of her child.
II will count nine," Quoth q grim
sergeant, land then if you do not
lead us to the hiding place OF the rebel,
your child shall surely die"
He began to count slowly. She still
| pleaded. She did not believe that
men could perpetrate deed so cruel.
From one face to the other she looked
| as if to catch some kindly glance with
which to endorse her hope.
At last her eye fell upon the visage
OF Captain Comes, as with a. dark
scowl he gazed upon her. Trembling,
groaning, well.nigh swooning, she sank
to the ground feeling that she could ex-
pect neither pity nor mercy from him
for the wife and child ofAdolph Navara.
Yes, it was Isabella herself that he
looked upon; his hated rival and all
that were precious to him were at his
mercy.
Diego Comes day OF terrible ven-
! geance had come; he had only to re-
| main silent, and retaliation-fearful
retaliation-for all that he had suffer-
! ed was within his grasp.
He returned to Lieutenant Vasuuez,
"You must command here" he said,
in a husky voice, "but save the child
and spare the mother"
"Put down the child,' he command
ed the soldier, then turned and walked
away.
The lady clasped the little one to
her breast, and looked, with fearless,
starting eyes, after the captain, as If
doubtful yet of his kindness. ImmOy-
| able she stood; till, seeing the soldiers
firing the frame house at it's four cor
ners, she fell and writhed upon the
ground When she saw the flames
spring up and saw the dry timbers
crackle, she leaped to her feet, and
walked firmly to where Diego Comes
stood.
"Senor Comes" she said, "you were
! once my friend. A thoughtless girl, l
wronged you; but you are a man, and
Ia poor distracted woman. My
husband lies within that house, sick,
wounded, helpless. Must he die in
the flames? You are his enemy at
home and in the field; but, oh, you
can save him. Will you not? Oh, if
you have one drop OF human kindness
in the blood OF your veins, save my
husband, the father of my child. I
love himl" K @>S->.
The devil tugged hard at the heart